Lower fairing; Just for looks or does it serve a purpose?

[TheRadBaron]

My '84 came with some sort of aftermarket lower fairing that covers up a lot more than the original did.  I don't really like the look of it and I plan on finding an original lower fairing to replace it. 
My budget is just about exhausted for the time being, so will it do any harm to ride the bike around without the lower fairing?  I imagine that the fairing might streamline the aerodynamics a bit, but does it play any part in engine cooling?  I don't mind a bit more drag, but if the air-cooled engine depends on the lower fairing to direct airflow to where it is needed, I wouldn't want to ride without it.

[rktmanfj]

My '84 came with some sort of aftermarket lower fairing that covers up a lot more than the original did.  I don't really like the look of it and I plan on finding an original lower fairing to replace it. 
My budget is just about exhausted for the time being, so will it do any harm to ride the bike around without the lower fairing?  I imagine that the fairing might streamline the aerodynamics a bit, but does it play any part in engine cooling?  I don't mind a bit more drag, but if the air-cooled engine depends on the lower fairing to direct airflow to where it is needed, I wouldn't want to ride without it.

Broke mine about 10 years ago, never replaced it...

Randy T
Indy

[FJmonkey]

Based on the shape, it does funnel air and in some years creates a longer tunnel to force air around/past the exhaust pipes under the bike. Does it function? Yes. Is the function necessary? I don't think it is critical. Mine has been off for almost a year and the bike does not seem to miss it. I would say it is 95% cosmetic and 5% function. Keep the FJ moving forward and the cooling will take care of itself even without the lower chin fairing. I like the look with it on but don't be afraid to ride it if it's off. Kookalooo brother.... 

[TheRadBaron]

Sounds good.  Thanks.  I like the way the smaller, stocks one looks, so hopefully I'll find one sooner or later.  Maybe I can even sell or trade the aftermarket full fairing that I have for one.  Until till then, I won't worry about it.

[oldktmdude]

   There are far more early FJ's ('84 '85 '86 ) getting around with-out chin fairings than there are with them. I'd really like to fit one to my '85 but I don't think it would last me very long, due to low clearance issues. I do however, think they look great and really improve the look of the bike.   Regards, Pete.
   
                                                                                                                                                                     

[Mark Olson]

I rode mine for years without a lower faring and had no problems. I think it makes the bike look better with it on and the only difference is the lower scoop picks up the rocks and pebbles thrown by your front tire and deposits them onto your pipes so they can bounce around making you think your engine is detonating.

[FJmonkey]

I rode mine for years without a lower faring and had no problems. I think it makes the bike look better with it on and the only difference is the lower scoop picks up the rocks and pebbles thrown by your front tire and deposits them onto your pipes so they can bounce around making you think your engine is detonating.

We have enough nice roads here in SoCal so I avoid the gravel pits. I wonder what pine-cones sound like rattling around between the pipes?....last pine-cone joke ...could not help myself. If I can make the WCR I don't want a sleeping bag full of pine-cones like Simi_Ed is likely to get from Klavdy.

[moparman70]

I agree that it is mainly for looks ... when I bought my 90 it was busted up pretty good - and missing one of the ends but I really like the look of the bike with the Chin fairing so I "engineered" a new piece with reinforcements on both sides and got the look back.  Thank-you JB weld and popsicles-- thankyou very much.

WCR --can't wait

[Flying Scotsman]

Mine is a 3/4 chin fairing.Dont know if I should try and fix it or cut it down to a 1/2 chin fairing.

[FJmonkey]

Mine is a 3/4 chin fairing.Dont know if I should try and fix it or cut it down to a 1/2 chin fairing.

Sounds better than a double chin fairing......Age and life style can affect how our bikes look....

[E Double]

Mine was cracked next to one of the mounts so I took it off.  I actually took it off to clean it because the PO left a lot of gunk under there;  When I removed it it basically broke in two.  I haven't had it on in a few years and the bike seems ok with it.  I think you'll find that the type, quality and weight oil will play a much larger part in how hot the bike runs than the chin scoop does/did.

[AustinFJ]

On my '91, I leave it on during the winter months and remove it during the summer.  Bike seems to run a few degrees cooler (oil temp) without it during the summer.  Of course, that's when it's ~95F+ and commuting, so having a wrap around the bottom  of the motor is bound to slow heat dissipation.